Tim Thorne, president of ArcBest less-than-truckload carrier ABF Freight, will retire June 30 after a 31-year career with the company.

Seth Runser, ABF vice president – linehaul operations, will be promoted to the new role of ABF chief operating officer, effective Feb. 1, and will become ABF president on July 1.

Thorne has been president since October 2014. He joined ABF in 1990 as a supervisor assistant after serving as a captain in the U.S. Army. Prior to becoming president, Thorne held increasing roles of responsibility, as a service center manager in Alabama, Tenness, and Pennsylvania; as a regional vice president of operations in Utah; and as vice president, linehaul operations.

Under Thorne’s leadership, ABF ratified a 2018 labor agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and paid a profit-sharing bonus to eligible union employees for the first time in its nearly 100-year history.  

"Over the past three decades, Tim has made significant and meaningrul contributions to our company as ArcBest has expanded and diversified to meet customers' needs," said Judy McReynolds, ArcBest chairman, president and CEO.

His successor Runser, 36, joined the company in 2007 as a management trainee in Cleveland, Ohio. He has moved around the country, living in Ohio, Texas, Maryland and Missouri before relocating to the corporate headquarters in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He served as operations supervisor, regional training specialist, service center manager, and regional vice president - operations before assuming his current role.

“Seth is a goal-oriented and values-driven leader who has a deep knowledge of our freight operations,” McReynolds said. “He will work to facilitate growth and ensure our ABF team continues its strong commitment to quality and providing a great customer experience. Tim and Seth will work closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.”